Gyeonggi Province is rolling out systematic support to boost the brand value of locally produced native honey. The initiative, which spans the entire production and distribution process from quality testing to packaging improvements, marks the province's first attempt at branding native honey at the provincial level.
The provincial government announced Wednesday that it has selected the Gyeonggi Province chapter of the Korea Hanbong (Native Bee) Association as the subsidy project operator for its "2026 Native Bee Honey Brand Production and Distribution Infrastructure Support Project." The project runs through December this year, with the province funding 80 percent, or 39.2 million won, of the total 49 million won budget.
The Korea Hanbong Association will select 30 native bee farms in the province and provide support for quality inspections, packaging and design improvements, and the production of brand promotional materials. The program represents a direct provincial effort to help small-scale farmers who have struggled to independently afford quality certification and premium packaging.
The province selected the subsidy project operator through an open call during January and February, evaluating candidates on project execution capability, expertise and organizational management. The Korea Hanbong Association will oversee project operations and management, farmer support, and the establishment of a quality control system.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to differentiate Gyeonggi Province's native honey as a premium product. Native honey commands higher prices than conventional apiary honey due to lower production volumes, but limited quality certification and brand recognition have constrained market expansion.
The province aims to build a systematic quality management framework to earn consumer trust, creating a virtuous cycle that leads to expanded sales channels and increased income for farmers.
"We will maximize the project's effectiveness based on the Korea Hanbong Association's expertise and field experience," said Lee Eun-kyung, head of the Animal Quarantine and Hygiene Division at Gyeonggi Province. "We will continue providing systematic support to strengthen the competitiveness of native bee farms."